Urgent Care vs. ER

Urgent Care vs. ER

Make the Smart Choice

If you've been battling a cold and it's not getting any better, you may be wondering if you should take a trip to an urgent care clinic or the ER. If you have mild, non-life-threatening conditions, a trip to urgent care is generally a better idea than sitting in an emergency room. With fewer wait times and fewer costs than a hospital, adults, and children with mild symptoms such as aches, pains, coughs, colds, sinus infections, and more can be treated by experienced physicians who are ready to treat patients. We are open 8 am-8 pm every day! If you have more serious conditions, it is important for you to go to an emergency room.

Why Choose Urgent Care Over a Free-Standing ER or Hospital?
  • Less expensive
  • Increased customer service
  • Walk-ins welcome with minimal wait time
  • X-rays available
  • Vital Care Urgent Care can treat:
    • Sprains/strains
    • Closed fractures
    • Lacerations
    • Abscesses
    • Incisions and drainage
    • Colds/coughs
    • Acute sinusitis
  • Extended hours/weekends
    • Vital Care Urgent Care open from 8 AM – 8 PM
    • 7 days a week
  • Fees range from $150 - $250
    • Can be higher if a procedure is completed
  • Accepts Medicare and private insurance
  • No facility fee (ER and free-standing ER charge an extra facility fee)
  • Insurance, cash pay
  • Lower urgent care copay for insured patients
Pros & Cons of Free-Standing Emergency Rooms
Signature Care ER, ExcelER, Fast ER Care
Pros:
  • If admission to a hospital is needed, a free-standing ER will transfer you by ambulance to the nearest hospital of your choice
  • Increased customer service
  • Treatment of emergency conditions:
    • Abdominal pain
    • Chest pain
    • Serious infections
    • Dehydration
  • Treatment of non-emergent issues
  • Open 24/7
  • Minimal wait time
  • CT, ultrasound, and X-ray available like a hospital ER
  • Full lab on premises
  • Board-certified physicians
  • Will see children of all ages
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Facility fee can be $1000 or more
  • Accept private insurance ONLY
  • Do not accept Medicaid or Medicare
  • Insurance companies may not pay for non-emergent conditions
  • Higher ER copay for insured patients
Pros & Cons of Hospital Visits
Pros:
  •  All emergencies treated
    • Traumas and heart attacks
  • Open 24/7
  • Specialty services available
  • Accept Medicaid/Medicare
  • May see a physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Long waits from overcrowding
  • Facility fee can be $1000 or more
  • Insurance companies may not pay for non-emergent conditions
  • Higher ER copay for insured patients

Get More Information About Urgent Care

Urgent care clinics provide many of the necessary services, treatment options, and preventative care that communities need to stay healthy. From providing DOT and sports physicals to conducting lab work to detect potential health concerns, our urgent care center proudly serves Midland, Odessa, Big Spring & Abilene, TX, as well as the surrounding communities. For immediate care, sick care, allergy treatments, and more, contact our weekend clinic or walk-in today!

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